Chandler Hoffman hopeful about LA Galaxy return after frustrating season

CARSON, Calif. – Chandler Hoffman didn’t receive the type of minutes that he expected up top in 2013, but after his “internship” like his first season with the LA Galaxy, he expects to contend for minutes next season.

Hoffman made just three appearances for the Galaxy in all competitions in 2013 scoring once in LA’s CONCACAF Champions League victory over C.S. Cartaginés in September. Although he was unable to earn consistent minutes for the first team, Hoffman made 10 appearances for the reserves scoring six goals and one assist.

Even though Hoffman impressed in reserve play, he found himself behind LA’s other young forwards like Jack McBean, Jose Villarreal and Gyasi Zardes who dominated the playing time among the Galaxy’s youthful contingent.

“We have a loaded group of attacking players, but it could also be frustrating when you’re not getting the looks that you feel like you deserve,” Hoffman admitted. “There a time that I was scored in three straight reserve games, but those guys have been here for a long time and they were given the benefit of that doubt this year which is understandable. [The competition] just makes you want to work harder because every day you have young guys that are chomping at the bit to get on the field.”

The 23-year-old striker believes that his ability to return and continue to learn from the likes of Robbie Keane and Landon Donovan is contingent on him retaining his status as a Generation Adidas player. As a GA player, Hoffman’s salary does not count against LA’s salary cap nor does he count against their senior roster, but if he graduates from the status, LA would need to use a senior spot to keep him.

Although whether Hoffman graduates is “up in the air” at the moment, Hoffman is hopeful that he’ll be able to stay with LA next season.”

“It makes a huge difference because you go from not counting against the salary cap and not counting against the roster to counting against the salary cap. It definitely does make a difference,” said Hoffman. “I spoke with Bruce and told him that this is where I want to play and hopefully we’ll make that happen.”